Equine Assisted Learning is established through participants engaging in hands-on learning activities with the use of the horse as a partner to explore positive development of communications, self-respect, confidence, trust, accountability and conflict resolution.  Sessions incorporate a variety of ground work and general horsemanship activities such as grooming, leading and herd observations.   All activities are taught with outcomes focused on social, emotional and vocational skills used for healthy, healing and personal growth.

Children and adults, including veterans and active-duty military personnel, with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse.

All classes are overseen by a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist who collaborate with mental health and learning specialists and community volunteers.  All curriculum is developed with Learning Outcomes evidence through demonstration of the skill through strategy questions and practicums. Mental Health workers assist in processing specific issues that each participant may encounter while engaged in learning activities.

Blue Oaks Center and PATH International

 
Blue Oaks Center is a nonprofit organization that promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.  We offer programs for Equine Assisted Learning following the PATH In'tl guidelines and our instructor is PATH certified (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International [PATH Intl.]). Children and adults, including veterans and active-duty military personnel, with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse.

Equine Assisted Learning is established through participants engaging in hands-on learning activities with the use of the horse as a partner to explore positive development of communications, self-respect, confidence, trust, accountability and conflict resolution.  Sessions incorporate a variety of ground work and general horsemanship activities such as grooming, leading and herd observations.   All activities are taught with outcomes focused on social, emotional and vocational skills used for healthy, healing and personal growth.

All classes are overseen by a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist who collaborate with mental health and learning specialists and community volunteers.  All curriculum is developed with Learning Outcomes evidence through demonstration of the skill through strategy questions and practicums. Mental Health workers assist in processing specific issues that each participant may encounter while engaged in learning activities.

Participants will learn:

• Boundaries
• Trust
• Self-awareness
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Enhanced verbal communication
• Enhanced non-verbal communications
• Social skills – listening, problem solving
• Vocational skills – transition skills to workability skills

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Sample Curriculum

Blue Oaks Center Framework for Development of Assisted Equestrian Therapy/Learning

Topic 1:           The Facility
The Blue Oaks Center
Tour or Visual Layout of the Center
                        Pastures - general,  broodmares, yearlings, weanlings, nursery, stallion, geldings and          
                                            retirement
                        Stalls – general and Foaling
                        Outside arena
                        Covered arena
                        Parking, Rest rooms and Picnic areas
                        Perimeter boundaries of the Center
                        Rules
 
Topic 2 & 3:     The Horse
 Horses and Their History
                        World and America
                        Regional breeds and colors
                        Horses in history
                        Registrations and pedigrees
 
Horse Anatomy and Development
                        Foals through retirement  
                        Growth and development
                        Height, weight and measurements
                        Theories of training and handling
 
Horse Care and Grooming
                        Brushes and hair care
                        Halter, lead and tie
                        Wash, dry and trim
                        Hoof care
Vet care dental and vaccinations
Hospitalization
Nutrition
                        Hay/roughage
                        Concentrates/supplements
                        Salt and minerals
                        Prescriptions
 
Topic 4:           Safety & Rules           
Safety             Equestrian clothing and attire
                                    Shoes
                                    Helmets
                                    Distracting items
Well maintained equipment and storage
                        Comply with rules and postings
Requests for time out, space and rest room use
Top 5 ways to have an accident free program
 
Topic 5:           Communications
Body language of the horse
                                    Ears, mouth, tail, eyes, legs
How and what causes horses to communicate
Energy assessment
Herd dynamics and mutual greeting
                        How to meet a horse
Equine behaviors – top general communicative behaviors
Developing listening skills
 
Topic 6 & 7:    Building a Relationship with a Horse
First steps to building a bond
Create awareness of self and surroundings
Build confidence
Establish boundaries
Teamwork, leadership
Trust
Lead, lunge and liberty work
 
Topic 8:           Application of Equine/Human Skills Applied
 
Demonstration
Obstacle course work
Teamwork
 
Each unit of study will have social and vocational skill development and application. Each unit will be certificated to mastery using Individual goals/accomplishments (IEP type).

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In addition to using PATH certified instructors, Blue Oaks Center will set a goal to apply to become a PATH Intl Premier Accredited Center by 2020.  It is the hope of the Board of Directors and the Administration of Blue Oaks Center, to offer the finest Equine Therapy and Learning Programs possible.  It is our intentions to strive to meet all the standards of excellence through criteria met, established and cultured into all phases of our Equine Assisted Therapy programs.  We take pride in seeking the absolute best professional and nationally recognized program offered (www.pathintl.org).